The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that $1.2 million in competitive grants was awarded to 33 Career and Technical Centers and two school districts to purchase new equipment aligned to training students in high-demand occupations.
In Bucks County, the following are receiving grants:
– Bucks County Technical High School: $50,000
– Middle Bucks Institute of Technology: $50,000
– Upper Bucks County Technical School: $30,167
“This money will help Bucks County Technical High School in its mission to provide our young people with the educational opportunities necessary to develop the in-demand skills required for high-paying jobs,” said state Rep. Tina Davis. “As I have said before, the development of a highly-trained workforce in Bucks County is a magnet for companies. This state grant is a wise investment in our economic future.”
“Career and technical centers continually provide excellent educational and professional opportunities for students across the commonwealth,” said Acting Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty. “Investing in career readiness and career exploration is a priority for PDE, and we encourage recipients to utilize this funding to enhance and expand these learning programs, which will help students excel in their chosen fields.”
Under the program, the maximum grant is $50,000, and each grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from a local source which could include local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners.
In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5 percent, and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6 percent.
